Haslam under lap record in Cartagena test

Leon Haslam finished off his 2008 season in the best way possible with a positive two day test at Cartagena last week. The 25 year old Brit got to ride the newly prepared Stiggy Honda CBR1000RR in warm sunny conditions and made the most of the track time to establish a base setting for his new Superbike.

Haslam had two bikes at his disposal for the test, one ex Gregorio Lavilla Vent Axia Honda purchased from Paul Bird Motorsport and one brand new bike built by his new team featuring an Oral Engineering tuned motor.

Speaking to MCN, Haslam said:

“I spent all my time on the Stiggy bike. On the first day there was so much to get through and test that I only completed about 25 laps but I still managed to do a 1m35.2s lap which was about as quick as Tommy (Hill) managed when he was here a few weeks ago.

“On the second day we got a lot more laps. To begin with I had no traction control or anti wheelie on the bike and as the day progressed every bit of electronics we introduced we went quicker. We ended up doing a 1m 34.01 which is 0.9 seconds under the lap record.

“I’m really pleased because we only had five rear tyres during the two days so I think we could have got into the 33’s with some more tyres.

“The team only had six weeks to build the bike and first time out we’re in the ball park with suspension, chassis and electronics. There is still a lot to test but we’ve got a direction and for the first ride the bike is working very well.”